Borussia Dortmund go top of Bundesliga after beating Hoffenheim

Borussia Dortmund collected their fourth victory in five Bundesliga matches Friday night at home to Hoffenheim.  While the Black and Yellows essentially dominated the visitors, the game ended just 1-0 to the home team.

Marco Reus scored the only goal of the match in the 16th minute after a really nice ball from Julian Brandt.  There were questions as to whether offside would be called on superstar Jude Bellingham. Yet replays showed the youngster never touched the ball.

Striker Anthony Modeste nearly doubled Borussia Dortmund’s lead just a few minutes later; however the Frenchman could not put his header on target.  Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Brandt also failed to capitalize on good chances to add to Dortmund’s lead.

Injuries return for BVB

There was a VAR review for a possible penalty for Dortmund because of a handball by defender Ozan Kabak.  While the ball certainly hit the Hoffenheim center back’s arm, the officials determined that his arm was in a natural position.

Bynoe-Gittens suffered a painful shoulder injury before the halftime break.  Dortmund’s medical staff appeared to pop his shoulder back into place, but could not continue.  The England youth international was eventually replaced by Thorgan Hazard.

The injury to the talented winger could not really come at a worse time for the Black and Yellows.  Entering the match, Dortmund was already without six significant players due to varying injury issues.

Latest news on Gio Reyna

USMNT player Giovanni Reyna could not get himself in head coach’s Edin Terzic’s starting XI.  The American, however, is being eased back into the side as he gains fitness levels.  Nonetheless, Reyna did come into the match as a late substitute for the aforementioned Brandt.

🎥 Highlights from #BVBTSG as @Woodyinho fires @BlackYellow top of the #Bundesliga at the start of #MD5 🔝 👏 pic.twitter.com/zsCqYpQvlW

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) September 2, 2022

Dortmund will hope their winning ways extend into UEFA Champions League play next week.  The Black and Yellows next host Copenhagen on Tuesday.  Hoffenheim, on the other hand, have a week off and will face Mainz in Bundesliga play next Saturday.

Photo credit: Imago